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The latest writings from our team

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.
8 min read

8 Benefits Of Using A Property Management Company

By hiring a professional property manager, you can add great value to your rental property investments, which is why so many experienced real estate investors agree that working with a good management company is the best thing. Here are some of the most important benefits that landlords who work with property management companies have:
September 10, 2024
8 min read

4 Areas Where You Can Minimise Risk In Rental Property Management

Risk management is one of the primary concerns that often overwhelm property managers. With legal and administration risks being the most common ones, there are many other risks that almost every organization has to encounter. In the most common risk scenarios, there are three possible strategies that you can follow: Risk Avoidance—You cannot choose risk avoidance if your actions seem too risky. For instance, in situations where a property manager is not purchasing property just to avoid the risks that come with them. Risk Control—Risk control is all about controlling or minimizing the risk by conducting regular inspections just to prevent the development of physical damages. Risk Transfers—It's all about shifting a person's responsibility to another, like your responsibility to the tenant or insurance company. In addition, paper lease, missed calls, property maintenance issues, and other screening issues are all responsible for creating risk. Here are a few risks that are associated with property management:
September 10, 2024
10 min read

Bricks + Agent's Year Round Gardening Guide

Every homeowner wants to have a year round blooming garden, which is not a difficult task in Australia. Our guide will help you have an all-season garden that is vibrant, lively, and bursting with colour. By doing a little bit of research, you will learn that there are so many different plants, shrubs, and flowers perfect for each season. The key to having a beautiful garden regardless of the season is knowing exactly what and when to plant. By being informed, you ensure that your garden will be blossoming throughout every season. We know that you are eager to roll up your sleeves and start working on your garden, but first, read our guide for expert tips on how to handle each season. If you are looking to sell or rent your property, you should know that a beautiful garden will boost your house’s curb appeal.
September 10, 2024
10 minutes

Using Social Media To Boost Your Airbnb Bookings

According to a study conducted by Hubspot, more than 90% of businesses confirmed that using real estate technology and social media marketing was essential for their business. Around 80% of them claimed that their efforts considerably increased traffic to their websites.
September 5, 2024
5 min

How Much Is My House Worth? Understanding Property Appraisals

Do you know what your home is really worth? If you’re thinking of selling then it’s a good idea to book a property appraisal with a local real estate agent
September 3, 2024
5 min

Understanding The Real Estate Market And When To Sell

Deciding when is the best time to sell your house requires not only research of market conditions but also,other factors such as lifestyle implications and more
September 3, 2024
5 min

Top Property Management Trends in 2018

Understanding these property management trends will help you stay competitive and protect your revenue stream. As a property manager you should always be willing to look at the possible changes and new technologies available.
September 3, 2024
5 min

Top 4 Tech Trends Every Facility Manager Should Look Out For

Technology is transforming every industry, and facility management is not an exception. These days’ organizations have realized the importance of investing in the latest tech to establish more efficient ways of collaborating, making work more flexible and improving the overall organizational configurations.
September 3, 2024
5 min

Tips For Property Managers To Communicate Better

If you're a property manager then its likely you're managing more than one property for your clients. Both the tenant and the owner are extremely important and communication is a key factor for success. Here are tips that can help property managers communicate better with the tenant and the owner.
September 3, 2024
2 minutes

Updates to Inspection Manager – July Release

September 12, 2024
2 minutes

Updates to Inspection Manager – August Release

Introducing Our New App Features!
September 12, 2024
2 minutes

Check Out Our Latest Updates For January

This release sees new updates that will help you with even Faster Report Editing via the CMS, with the new Area Level Thumbs Up for marking conditions and an improved reporting functionality to Load Reports Faster. Let us know what you think of these new features!
September 12, 2024
2 minutes

Check Out Our Latest Updates For March

September 12, 2024
3 minutes

Edit Layout via Report Editing

September 12, 2024
2 minutes

Follow-ups for Tenant Assisted Inspections

September 16, 2024
3 minutes

How To Edit Inspection Report in CMS

September 16, 2024
3 minutes

How To Bulk Close & Send Routine Inspections

September 16, 2024
3 minutes

Bulk Send Tenant Assisted Inspection Requests

September 16, 2024
5 Minutes

The Story Behind Harmony Day

September 11, 2024
10 minutes

Repairs to Rental Property: Landlord or Tenant’s Responsibility?

Repairs and maintenance to rental propertys are one of the most common issues that cause legal disputes between landlords and tenants. As the mediator, property managers need to know and educate both tenants and landlords on whose responsibility it is to fix repairs and maintenance issues.
September 11, 2024
8 minutes

Routine Inspection Red Flags or Warning Signs you May Have Missed!

Routine inspections are a big part of a property manager’s day to day job. Along with the millions of other tasks they’re expected to complete, it can be tempting sometimes to rush inspections and assume everything is fine. No doubt this can often lead to some serious problems down the line, especially if tenants are hiding/performing questionable or illegal substances or behaviour. You can never be too careful when it comes to routine inspections. At Inspection Manager we compiled a list below of red flags or warning signs as a property manager to look out for when completing a routine inspection.
September 11, 2024
5 minutes

The Best Ways to Stay Connected With Your Tenants as a Property Manager

Staying connected with your tenants and building a trusting relationship is key to having better tenants, maintaining well-kept rental properties and being updated with any issues/problems on a rental property right away. Kelly, a Property Manager from LJ Hooker says “The best way to maintain well-kept rental properties with minimal issues is to form more trusting and better relationships with your tenants. Staying connected with check-in messages or calls to tenants is one step closer to a more transparent relationship.”
September 11, 2024
10 minutes

10 Key Aspects to Remember at Routine Inspections

Routine inspections allow you to identify and address any maintenance or repair issues. This gives landlords peace of mind, knowing their valued rental properties are being maintained and carefully managed. The details recorded at routine inspections are also used as evidence in disputes between landlords and tenants. Therefore, in order to serve their purpose, routine inspections should to be done thoroughly and competently. At the same time, routine inspections don’t have to be a difficult process.
September 11, 2024
5 minutes

6 Tips To Help Property Managers Maintain a Work-life Balance

Property managers, do you feel like your work is always following you wherever you go? Even when you’re not physically taking your work home with you, it’s always on your mind 24/7. Work-life balance is a common struggle for property managers and a lack of boundaries often leads to burnout.
September 11, 2024
8 minutes

Creating a Paperless Office to Improve your Property Management Skills

Copying, filing, searching, retrieving, refiling, sending, mailing and faxing… on average a property manager spends 20% of their time on paperwork. If you’re tired of doing things the hard way, you’re not alone. Many property management agencies have converted to/created a paperless office and have never looked back since. While the change may seem intimidating at first, here are some compelling reasons why your agency should create a paperless office today.
September 11, 2024
8 minutes

4 Ways Attending a Conference Can Benefit Your Property Management Career

Being a Property Manager is hard work – you’re always juggling a dozen different tasks on a hectic schedule. Sometimes it’s so easy to get caught up in day-to-day commitments that you forget to focus on the bigger picture -where your career or business is heading. Attending a conference is the perfect way to receive some much-needed inspiration and motivation. There’s no better way to stay informed and network with experts in the property management industry.
September 11, 2024
10 minutes

7 Most Common Pitfalls in Property Management

What helps improve your property management skills? According to industry experts, it’s about avoiding a few common pitfalls. If these are overlooked, they may escalate into major problems, and can cause serious damage to your performance and wellbeing.
September 11, 2024
5 min

Enhance Your Company's Web Presence

The playground of property management has shifted drastically in favour of having online businesses. Capitalising on potential of the internet and having a strong web presence is about more than tweaking your website. How can you improve your online presence? Here are our top tips:
September 3, 2024
5 min

How Much Do Gardening Services Cost?

If you've got a busy schedule and have no time to clean your garden, you should consider hiring a gardener. Gardening services cost are reliant on key factors.
September 3, 2024
5 min

First Time Tenants Guide

There are plenty of things to consider when you start living in a rental property which can save you from future troubles. The experts at Bricks+Agent have pulled together the best tips to help first time tenants find the right property.
September 3, 2024
5 min

How To Create The Perfect Tenancy Application Form

How can you select a great application and find the best tenant? One of the most important ways to do so is by having a great template for your tenant application form. Here’s what you need to consider.
September 3, 2024
5 min

Energy Efficiency – Your Landlord Must Ensure Your Home Up To Scratch

The Australian Government has found that the energy consumption in rented homes is significantly higher than in common properties. When they tried to get a deeper look into the issue, they found that these homes were appalling.
September 3, 2024
5 min

DIY vs. Hiring Professional Contractors

Are you considering renovating or remodeling your house? Find out what jobs you can do yourself and what you should always hire a professional contractor for.
September 3, 2024
5 min

Explained: The Advantages Of Renting Over Buying

The Australian Government has found that the energy consumption in rented homes is significantly higher than in common properties. When they tried to get a deeper look into the issue, they found that these homes were appalling.
September 3, 2024
5 min

Emotive Words That Can Sell Your House And Net You Thousands

Overused real estate buzz words could turn potential buyers off your home. You're selling your biggest asset in life, follow these tips for selling your house.
September 3, 2024
5 min

The Costs of Hiring an Asbestos Removal Expert

If you your property is contaminated with asbestos materials and particles do not hesitate to hire an asbestos removal expert. This will cost you around $35/m2.
September 3, 2024
8 min read

Find Your Target Market For Rental Properties With These 5 Tips

When listing your property for rent, think of the type of audience you want living in it first! While you will feel like considering a lot of people before choosing a selected audience and demographic, it will help to keep the types of people who are not suited to your property at arms length. Once you have your target audience, its time to consider what types of things they need and want from a rental property, and how you can provide it to them. But who are your ideal renters? The experts at Bricks+Agent have put together some steps to help you target your audience.
September 10, 2024
10 min read

What Are the Costs of a Building Clean-up?

After construction workers are done with the last touch-ups and before the owners arrive, every construction or renovation site requires a building clean-up, or builders’ clean. During a builders’ clean, a professional cleaner or cleaning crew ensure that the building is in top shape and that all the debris has been removed. Clean-up workers that are specialised in construction sites can offer work in commercial, industrial, and residential settings. Some cleaners will also provide clean-up services during the renovation or construction process. In Australia, a building clean-up specialist has an average hourly rate of $35.50. The construction clean-up rates may go up to as much as $41 per hour depending on different aspects like the size of the building, the surface that needs to be cleaned, the complexity of the cleaning job, and the additional tasks that need to be handled.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

The Costs of Hiring an Arborist

An arborist is a contractor that is specialised in the care, maintenance, and removal of trees and shrubs. An aborist knows what trees require and has the necessary equipment to provide proper care. Hiring someone to take care of trees is not a very popular thing, as people can be somewhat reluctant to paying someone for this service. However, taking proper care of trees is highly recommended, as trees that are well-cared for can boost the curb appeal of your property. Diseased trees, on the other hand, can be a liability to property owners as they invite pests and can damage your property during extreme weather. Most people tend to prune or remove trees on their own, without hiring a professional arborist. Removing trees, especially large ones, can be dangerous and you run the risk of injury. Without proper safety equipment, you put your life and home at risk.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

How To Choose The Perfect Roofing For Your House

Your roof protects you from weather. While it is safe to say that most types of materials that are used for roofing can enhance the overall aesthetic of your home, some of these materials might be more appropriate for your climate or for your budget than others. If you are considering selling or leasing your house, repairing any damage to the roof or guttering is something to consider. Repairing your roof or replacing the damaged tiles you will add value and boost the curb appeal of your house. The roof is often a neglected part of a house. It's not until you notice leaks that you realise just how important the exterior of their house can be. If, on the other hand, you are building a new house, or simply renovating and you think re-roofing is necessary, then you need to know all the available options. With so many options available on the market such as clay tiles, asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or steel panels, choosing roofing material might be a challenging process. There are a wide range of materials available to homeowners so choosing the right ones might depend on your budget, needs, climate, and personal preferences. Here are some of the most popular materials and the advantages and disadvantages associated with them.
September 10, 2024
10 min read

Bricks + Agent's Year Round Gardening Guide

Every homeowner wants to have a year round blooming garden, which is not a difficult task in Australia. Our guide will help you have an all-season garden that is vibrant, lively, and bursting with colour. By doing a little bit of research, you will learn that there are so many different plants, shrubs, and flowers perfect for each season. The key to having a beautiful garden regardless of the season is knowing exactly what and when to plant. By being informed, you ensure that your garden will be blossoming throughout every season. We know that you are eager to roll up your sleeves and start working on your garden, but first, read our guide for expert tips on how to handle each season. If you are looking to sell or rent your property, you should know that a beautiful garden will boost your house’s curb appeal.
September 10, 2024
10 minutes

Using Social Media To Boost Your Airbnb Bookings

According to a study conducted by Hubspot, more than 90% of businesses confirmed that using real estate technology and social media marketing was essential for their business. Around 80% of them claimed that their efforts considerably increased traffic to their websites.
September 5, 2024
5 min

How Much Is My House Worth? Understanding Property Appraisals

Do you know what your home is really worth? If you’re thinking of selling then it’s a good idea to book a property appraisal with a local real estate agent
September 3, 2024
5 min

Understanding The Real Estate Market And When To Sell

Deciding when is the best time to sell your house requires not only research of market conditions but also,other factors such as lifestyle implications and more
September 3, 2024
5 min

Top 4 Tech Trends Every Facility Manager Should Look Out For

Technology is transforming every industry, and facility management is not an exception. These days’ organizations have realized the importance of investing in the latest tech to establish more efficient ways of collaborating, making work more flexible and improving the overall organizational configurations.
September 3, 2024
8 min read

What Is The Cost Of Garden Clean Up Services?

A tidy garden improves the beauty of your home and keeps you safe. As much as you can keep it clean using the DIY method, it might not be possible if you are busy. You might need to hire a garden cleaner. Garden cleanup cost can be around $45/hr. It depends with the requirements of the job. Sometimes cleaning a garden can be as low as $40/hr or as high as $50/hr. If you need services of a professional garden cleaner, it can cost you on average in Australia $164.84 to complete the whole project. However, this being an average estimation, rates can vary depending on the number of tasks involved.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

4 Characteristics Of A Great Property Manager

A property manager must be a skilled juggler of numerous tasks, keeping both landlords and tenants happy. In addition to keeping properties maintained and in good shape, they are responsible for preserving a rental property's value. Although this job only requires a high school diploma, many customers will opt to work with a specialist who has a degree in real estate, finance, or business. We've put together a list of professional qualities a property manager needs hold to make the most out of a successful career.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

Who Is The Average Australian Property Investor - Do You Fit The Bill?

Do you know who the average Australian property investor really is? Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the super wealthy property speculator buying up rentals left right and centre. In fact it could be your next door neighbour, the one who’s drinking XXXX and firing up the barbie. Don’t believe us? Let’s take a look at some stats to see if we can put together a clearer profile of this person….
September 10, 2024
8 min read

8 Ways To Grow Your Rent Roll That REALLY Work

Whether you’re a seasoned property manager with an impressive portfolio or a beginner, you want to grow your rent roll and increase your monthly rental income. Right? The good news! Fortunately, there are countless rent roll growth strategies scattered over the web. But the question is what actually works? Which strategies help deliver real results effectively in a hassle-free manner? This article shares several time-tested rent roll growth strategies that really work.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

4 Ways To Turn Your House Into A Smart Home

How do you feel about interacting with your home the way you would with a website? In the future your home will know who’s in what room, make your coffee and turn on your lights. It might even choose your clothes for you based on the temperature outside.
September 10, 2024
10 min read

What Are The Costs of Wallpapering?

Are you planning on remodelling or renovating your house? If you are, you might be considering wallpaper, which has re-entered the style space this year. Available in a wide range of colors, textures, and prints, replacing old wallpaper or installing it in order to improve the property’s overall appearance could add value, attract more buyers and boost your home’s appeal.
September 10, 2024
5 min read

The Art of Making Customer Connections

Does your job revolve around customer satisfaction? Working in customer-centric industries like real estate, you will come across a lot of people and making a connection with the customer is vital to the longevity of your business. Establishing healthy customer connections is a fool proof formula for generating repeat business. Customers will come to you not just because they love your products and services, but because you offered them a smooth and convenient experience. The experts at Bricks + Agent have compiled a list of tips and tricks for improving customer connections.
September 10, 2024
10 min read

Starting A Career In Property Management

If you're on the lookout for a new career path, becoming a property manager might just be the perfect job for you. Now more than ever, people of all ages are renting instead of buying, so the need for good and professional property managers is out there. A career in property management can bring a decent salary, job security, and steady employment, and if you like to work with people, then your success is almost guaranteed.
September 10, 2024
5 min read

Misconceptions about Cloud-based Property Management Software

Cloud-based property management software is considered one of the most popular and powerful tools for many real estate agencies. But while it is quite popular among many businesses, the software can still be quite overwhelming and mysterious to many, which fuels many myths about it.
September 10, 2024

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